Makoose Ka Win are rites of passage that are conducted each spring at by the grandmothers at Turtle Lodge, who provide teachings of how to honour and carry oneself as a Woman.

Any female can participate. Each year we encourage young women to spend time learning the sacredness of Woman by participation in the Makoose Ka Win. It is time for Women to claim and embrace their rightful positions of honour and responsibility in walking with and leading all people — men, women & children, back to our sacred way of life. Older women who did not have a chance to experience their rite of passage as a young woman are also welcome to hear the teachings and participate in a special ceremony of initiation into womanhood.

Our Vision

The Turtle Lodge is a place for sharing our universal and ancient knowledge, a place for reconnecting ourselves to the Earth and Nature, and also, a place for sharing among people of all races and nations.

The Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation was built in 2002, in fulfillment of a vision received many years ago, and founded upon spiritual, land-based teachings that bring balance to life. It has been built for our children ~ the center of our lives. Our fundamental goal is Mino-Pi-Mati-Si-Win – A Good and Peaceful Way of Life.

The Turtle Lodge is based on the Seven Sacred Laws and the Eight Paths of Life, the ancient universal values of the Anishnabe People of Turtle Island (North America).